There are lots of talent competitions out there, but I think The Voice may be one of the few that incorporates blind auditions. Psychologically, the idea behind a blind audition is for the person to be evaluated solely on their skills— as opposed to things like appearance, name, gender, etc. The Voice of Holland was the first talent show to incorporate the technique, and it later spread to other series under The Voice umbrella.
For viewers, blind auditions add another layer of viewing pleasure. On top of being able to see the person perform and the judge’s reaction to their skills, you also get to see the celebrities’ jaws drop when the contestant looks absolutely nothing like they expected. This is one of those times…
Back in 2017, Jason Jones wowed X-Factor UK judges with an amazing blind performance of “Pillow Talk” by Zayne Malik.
The 31-year-old father of one had been working at a call center for people who require roadside assistance, but he also pursued his passion for singing at weddings, pubs, and clubs. He told Birmingham Live:
“Everyone at work has been very supportive,”
“I think it would be good to sing for customers if they’re angry or waiting for a breakdown van, but that’s not allowed.”
The singer had wanted to try out for The Voice UK in 2016, but unfortunately, he missed the audition when his alarm failed to go off. When he finally got his opportunity one year later, he swept everybody off their feet— becoming 1 of only 2 contestants every judge fought to coach.
With a focus on “soulful pop”, Jason says he is inspired by the likes of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, James Morrison, and Whitney Houston. For his audition, however, he picked something more modern— a ballad written by Zayne Malik from One Direction.
Taking the stage in a button-down shirt and jeans, the 31-year-old father makes the judges’ jaws drop with his very first note.
After hearing only 35 seconds of the song, Black Eyed Peas singer will.i.am is the first judge to “turn” his chair. This action tells Jason he would like to have him on his team during the competition.
Before will.i.am’s chair can even turn around, though, fellow judge Gavin Rossdale immediately follows suit.
Next is Jennifer Hudson, whose jaw drops when she sees who’s behind the mic.
“Is that him?” she asks before screeching to Tom Jones that he “might want to turn around!”
At this point, Tom Jones remains the only judge looking at the audience— but when Jason hits a powerful note a 1:05, not even the singing legend can’t resist turning his chair.
Having been one of the few contestants to make every judge turn around, Jason can now choose any of them as his coach. In the end, though, will.i.am’s exuberance seems to win him over. “I know inspiration when it’s calling, and that’s the reason I turned,” the celebrity said. “We are going to the top of the mountain. But in a helicopter, because I don’t like walking!”
Since being uploaded to YouTube, Jason’s incredible audition has been viewed over 6 MILLION times.
“Amazing”
“His voice and Jennifer’s reactions are awesome :) “
“What a voice! Fantastic”
“Never ever judge a book on it’s cover. Read the first few pages and get drawn in. So much raw talent and Jason Jones we salute you. He was born to do this.”
See it for yourself below!
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